Patrice Evra has said that Ryan Giggs is the best player that he has ever played with.

The former Manchester United defender took part in a question and answer session on Twitter and highlighted GIggs’s longevity at the top of the game as the major reason for picking him at the top of an elite group that he has played alongside during his career.

“The best player that I have ever played with is certainly Ryan Giggs,” Evra said. “He was able to remain at high levels for a long time. He is a legend.”

Evra played with Giggs for eight years at Old Trafford, after signing from Monaco in 2006.

Indeed, it is only as the French international has headed to pastures new that Giggs has ended a professional career as a player, which lasted for 24 years at United.

He now has moved into a coaching role in Louis van Gaal’s backroom staff, as United look to reclaim their position as the top team in England.

Last season, the Red Devils slumped to a seventh placed finish and they are now desperate to make amends and finish in the top four in the upcoming campaign.

As part of the plans to do this Giggs, and the rest of the non-playing staff at Old Trafford, have been working hard to shift out players who they no longer feel are up to the standard required to represent United.

One of these players with Evra, who departed for Juventus last month, after he was replaced by Luke Shaw.

Shaw has established himself as one of the best up-and-coming English prospects in the game and his arrival at Old Trafford – for £30 million for Southampton - signified the time for Evra, who is reaching the twilight of his career, to leave.

He obviously bares no ill will towards Giggs for this decision, though, and is full of admiration for his playing achievements – being just one of a number of former players to pay tribute to the United legend since he has hung up his boots.

Is Giggs the biggest legend in United history?

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.